Chavez asks US envoy not to interfere in domestic affairs

Caracas, Sep 1 (Xinhua) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has warned the US ambassador to his country not to interfere in its domestic affairs; otherwise he would be expelled. “Our government will not accept any interference or disrespect,” Chavez said Sunday, referring to recent criticism from the US envoy, Patrick Duddy, on the rise of drug-trafficking in Venezuela.

During his Sunday TV and radio programme “Hello, President”, Chavez said the US was the biggest producer of marijuana in the world and its plantations are located in the state of Virginia.

The US’ drug shipments leave from Colombia, where the US has military bases, he said and accused the US drug enforcement agency of collaborating with drug dealers in US and Colombia.

Chavez also informed that his deputy Ramon Carrizales would hold a press conference on the issue Monday.